Former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester City.

Keegan ended his seven-month absence from football today when he was named the new manager of the Blues.

He is seen by the Maine Road board as the man to bring success back to the blue half of Manchester and has previously taken Newcastle and Fulham to promotion.

Keegan is believed to be flying in from Spain this afternoon and will be introduced to supporters at a prearranged fans' forum at Maine Road this evening.

It is understood that City's football director Dennis Tueart, who is a close friend of Keegan's, has been speaking to the former England coach.

City pledged to appoint a high-profile manager on Monday when they sacked Joe Royle (pictured) following the club's relegation from the Premiership.

Keegan certainly fits that billing and he has been out of the game since he dramatically quit England in October just minutes after the World Cup defeat against Germany.

Although he admitted then that he was lacking as a coach, he is sure to prove a popular appointment with the long-suffering City fans.

Keegan topped a fans' poll over who should be the next City manager and his brand of attacking football appeals to the Maine Road faithful.

He had previously been linked with the vacant managerial post at one of his old clubs, Southampton, while other men touted for the City job included George Graham, Trevor Francis and David Moyes.

Keegan also has a good track record in the First Division, and saved Newcastle from relegation in 1992 before they stormed to the title the following season.

He will link up with City defender Steve Howey who played under Keegan during his spell on Tyneside and was converted by his manager from a striker into an England international centre half.

Keegan is also expected to appoint his own coaching team at Maine Road, with Peter Beardsley - currently training the strikers at Newcastle - and Arthur Cox expected to be given roles, along with Derek Fazackerly, all of whom were with Keegan during his spell as England boss.